Melasma (Chloasma)
Key points
- Melasma (also called chloasma) is a condition in which portions of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin.
- Darker patches of skin appear on the forehead, temples, cheeks or upper lip.
- A doctor will diagnose melasma simply by looking at your skin.
- The dark patches typically last until the pregnancy ends or you stop taking the hormonal medications.
What Is It?
Melasma (also called chloasma) is a condition in which portions of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. Doctors call this hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. The dark patches often appear on both sides of the face in a nearly identical pattern. The darker-colored patches of skin can be any shade, from tan to deep brown. Rarely, these dark patches may appear on other sun-exposed areas of the body.
Melasma occurs much more often in women than in men, and usually is associated with hormonal changes. That is why the dark patches develop most often during pregnancy, or if a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives. Melasma during pregnancy is relatively common. Sometimes it is called the "mask of pregnancy." The dark patches typically last until the pregnancy ends. Despite the strong connection to hormones, no one knows exactly what causes the skin discoloration.
Other factors that make it more likely that a person will get melasma include using medications that make you sensitive to the sun (photosensitizing). These can include some cosmetics and medicines used to treat ovarian or thyroid problems. If you are already susceptible to melasma, exposure to the sun increases your risk. For example, women who are pregnant or who take a hormone medication and avoid the sun are less likely to develop melasma than are those who spend a lot of time in the sun.
Symptoms
Darker patches of skin appear on the forehead, temples, cheeks or upper lip. The symptoms are strictly cosmetic — you won't feel ill, and the darker skin won't be sore.
Diagnosis
A doctor will diagnose melasma simply by looking at your skin. Your medical history will help to determine any factors that may have led to the disorder's development.
Your doctor may use a special lamp that gives off ultraviolet light. This allows the doctor to see patterns and depth of skin discoloration more clearly.
Expected Duration
The dark patches typically last until the pregnancy ends or you stop taking the hormonal medications. The patches gradually fade over many months. In some people, the discoloration never entirely disappears.
Prevention
The best way to prevent melasma is to limit skin exposure to the sun. If you go out in the sun, take these preventive measures:
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.